St. Croix Tourism FAQ

What Every Traveler Needs to Know

How can I get to the island of St. Croix?
It's likely that your first steps on St. Croix will be taken in or near Frederiksted, the second largest town on the island. Located just a short ride outside of Frederiksted, the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport welcomes island-hopping visitors on small commuter and charter planes, as well as continental and international guests that are arriving via aircraft as large as Boeing 747s. Many of these planes begin their journey in Miami, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas, but other options exist.

If you'd like to spend some of your travel time on the water, consider taking a seaplane ride from St. Thomas to St. Croix or a ferry ride from Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas to Christiansted, the capital of St. Croix. Cruise ship passengers will disembark at the deep-water pier along the waterfront of Frederiksted.

What type of travel documents do I need to be able to visit St. Croix?
Prior to your departure for the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), it would be a good idea to verify what the current regulations are for travel to US territories. You can do this by going online to http://www.travel.state.gov/ and/or http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/travel/.

Currently, US citizens are not required to have a passport for travel to and from the USVI, but if you do have one, it's a good idea to take it along just in case you find yourself wanting to take some day trips outside of the US territories. Otherwise, be certain that you have some form of government issued photo identification, such as a driver's license, as well as an official copy of your birth certificate, which will have a raised seal. A passport is required of all non-US citizens.

What's the best time of year to visit St. Croix?
You could almost think of this as a trick question, as anytime is a great time to be afloat on the island of St. Croix! Average temperatures differ so slightly from summer to winter, that it's likely to be a perfect 75° day, regardless if you're visiting for the summer break celebration or for the "Christmas in the Caribbean" experience.

Granted, winter lodging rates are generally 20-50% higher from mid-December to mid-April. Cruise ship fares are also usually higher during that time-period. Such is a small price to pay if you're trying to escape the winter wonderland farther north on the continental US. Plan ahead and make your reservations early if you're hoping to stay at one of the top spots on the island during this popular season.

Along with higher prices in the winter, you can expect less elbowroom on the beaches and more traffic along the few roads that line the island. However, should you decide to visit St. Croix during the off-season, you'll likely discover that you'll have more money to spend on such activities as snorkeling (the water is actually "clearer" and "smoother" from May through July) and an unforgettable evening of fine dining and entertainment.

The bottom line is, island activities are in season year round so St. Croix will always be ready and waiting to satisfy your every need and desire.

What type of currency is used on St. Croix?
As a US territory, the US dollar drives St. Croix's economy. Instead of carrying all of your traveling cash on you at all times, feel free to rely on the ATM's that are scattered about the island to provide you with just what you need, just when you need it. Credit cards and travelers checks are also accepted at many places throughout the island. Foreign currency can be exchanged at major banks that are located on the island.

What language is spoken on St. Croix?
Best described as English with a lilting calypso rhythm to it, it's doubtful that you'll ever grow weary of carrying on a conversation with a Cruzian native. You can almost hear the steel drum undertones to the words as they wash over you like a calm ocean wave. The Cruzian language is basically English with a twist of Creole added for a unique Caribbean flavor.

How can I get around St. Croix?
Even though the main roads on the island are paved, traffic can be slow moving due to a variety of reasons (hills, hairpin turns, and potholes), parking can be somewhat sparse in certain spots -- especially in the capital city of Christiansted, and rental cars can be hard to come by in the busy season. Many people simply opt to ride on one of the VITRAN public buses or to share a "pre-determined rate per person" taxi van/wagon ride with fellow travelers. Both are often extremely affordable options and many times taxi rates decrease based on the number of passengers in your party. Tours of the island are also offered by numerous groups -- both via vehicle or by foot.

If you do choose to drive yourself around, remember that driving is on the left side of the road, even though your steering wheel will also on the left side of the car - think of it as a wild ride that utilizes American cars with British driving rules. Seat belts are required for all passengers and drivers must be 18 years or older.

What are a few other "rules of the land" that I should be aware of?
We're not just talking about driving anymore. The legal drinking and gambling age on the island of St. Croix is also 18. You should also be aware that not only is it illegal to be seen in your bathing suit or bare-chested in the main parts of town, it's also against the law to take shells directly from the ocean/sea.

While not considered to be laws of the land, there are a few other pointers to keep in mind while you're a guest of St. Croix. Shops often close at 5pm and restaurants often stop serving at 9pm. Perhaps most important of all, if you'd like the locals to treat you nicely, please be just as friendly and respectful as you'd like them to be to you. You should also be prepared to hear the locals passionately discussing such topics as politics, the battle between "economic progress and ecological/cultural preservation," and sexual humor; know what you're getting into before adding your two cents to the discussion. Sometimes it's better to just sit back, listen, and learn.

Who should I contact if I have questions while visiting St. Croix?
Once you've landed on the island, grab a copy of one of the local daily newspapers -- the V.I. Daily News or the St. Croix Avis. Weekly/monthly papers include St. Croix this Week and The Shopper. All of these periodicals will answer many of your island-related questions. If you need more info, you can either ask the people at the front desk where you're staying or you can stop in at the Visitor's Center in Christiansted that's located at 53A Company Street. There's also an information kiosk and Visitor's Center in Frederiksted; it's conveniently located right next to the pier along the waterfront.